Irvine Nature Center’s executive director, Brooks Paternotte, is leaving the center after more than a decade of leadership.
Paternotte, who became Irvine’s executive director in 2013, will step down from the role on June 30, 2026.
The nature center in Owings Mills has launched a national search to identify its next leader. A committee comprising several Irvine board members and led by Board President David Dardis will conduct the search.
“During my tenure, it has been a privilege to work closely with the board, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders, to elevate Irvine and establish the organization as a regional leader in conservation and environmental education,” Paternotte said in a statement.
Irvine is currently celebrating its 50th year of providing environmental education.
Founded in 1975 in an old barn at St. Timothy’s School in Stevenson, the nature center moved to its current home in Owings Mills in 2008.
Since that move, Irvine has grown its land footprint from 114 acres to 211 acres. It has planted 12,000 trees, reestablished 65 acres of wetlands, and created a more native environment. It also established an endowment, which it has increased to more than $5 million, according to the nature center.
David Dardis, president of Irvine’s board of trustees, commended Paternotte for his leadership at Irvine.
“Irvine is grateful to Brooks for his faithful leadership of Irvine for more than a decade, during which time he was instrumental in increasing opportunities for our community to engage with nature, growing the preschool, and expanding Irvine’s campus – protecting land in the Caves Valley for future generations,” Dardis said in a statement.
